Japan has always had a reputation as one of the most unique countries in the world. Here are my top 5 most unique things I love about Japan:
5. Vending Machine Galore
When I say vending machines galore, I mean it. There are about 5 million vending machines in Japan, and you will see them just about everywhere you go, even in the wilderness. Yes, the sheer number is a super-unique thing in and of itself, but that’s not all there is to it.
Japanese vending machines sell so much more than a soda can, and you will find a seemingly unlimited range of coffees, teas, fermented drinks, soups, and more, often offering both hot and cold options. My personal favorite vending machine item is definitely the hot corn soup, which I’ve had the pleasure of consuming on a cold winter’s day in Japan!
4. Gourmet-level Convenience Stores
As a lover of food, one of my best memories of Japan was the pure convenience and easy access to the most delicious, high-quality foods everywhere you go. Whether you are strolling through the nature of Nagano or immersing in the city lights of Tokyo’s Shibuya district, the big friendly logo of Family Mart’s convenience stores will follow in your stride, alongside a myriad of 7-Elevens and Lawson stores.
Again, it’s not just the numbers that make it unique, but the astounding amount of choice you are given when entering these premises. Variety is king in Japan, and these stores have some of the most unique selections of bento (lunch) boxes, beverages, gourmet desserts, and snacks you’ll find anywhere around the world. I highly recommend the “Ohayo Milk Pudding” dessert, made from the best dairy ingredients sourced from Japan’s milk hub in Hokkaido, the smooth creamy texture will blow you away!
3. Pop Culture is embedded in Society
Most countries have some element of pop culture that is purely their own, whether it’s through music, dance, or other entertainment mediums, so it’s not necessarily a unique concept. Japan, however, take its pop culture to a whole new level and pridefully displays its passions on billboards, vehicles, and wherever else they see fit. In fact, there is an entire town by the name of Akihabara that is notorious for being the center of the Japanese pop culture and entertainment district.
Japanese anime, gigantic multi-story video game arcades, and maid-cafe culture are just a few of the many cool and bizarre things you’ll find in places like Akihabara. It’s also very common to see themed cafes and restaurants, such as a Pokémon cafe, operating in major cities like any other business entity. A personal favorite of mine is the “Mugiwara Store” located in Shibuya, which is a merchandise store dedicated to all things One Piece, a popular anime series in Japan.
2. Unbeatable Picturesque Landscapes
Japan’s sakura or “cherry blossoms” as we call them in English are definitely my favorite breed of natural fauna I’ve ever laid eyes on, hands down. Such bright and graceful petals bloom in their thousands during spring and looking at them brings a unique feeling of peace and inspiration which simply cannot be experienced anywhere else. Unfortunately, I have not had the privilege of seeing these things of beauty for myself, as my visits to Japan have always been during the winter season.
Nevertheless, Japan is a country where each season brings with it a distinctive charm that very nicely reflects that specific time of year, unlike my country Australia, which remains the same in appearance all year round. From the Sakura-filled springs to the snowy wonderland winters, Japan never disappoints with its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty.
1. Traditions of Mindfulness are Upheld
The best unique trait of Japan by far will have to go to their overall mindfulness as a society. It goes beyond the everyday interactions with cashiers and the bowing culture to show gratitude, and really seeps into the smaller things that make the whole. From ladies-only carriages on trains to not talking loudly on public transport and carrying your rubbish with you everywhere you go (due to the scarcity of bins), the Japanese uphold good manners to the point of making various unspoken laws.
In essence, visiting Japan will leave you with a feeling of satisfaction unlike any other. Every time you go to a restaurant, visit a convenience store, or even use the bathroom, you will always feel like extra care has been taken to optimize your experience as a customer. Extremely polite service from cashiers, convenient technologies built into toilet seats, and the utmost respect for your personal space and property are all examples of the thoughtful efforts of the Japanese people to make their country a pleasure to live in for nationals and foreigners alike!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!